11 August 2023 Video production tips and best practices

How to make an explainer video

Explainer videos are short, engaging online videos that explain a product or service. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create one.

In today's digital era, explainer videos have become the go-to solution for businesses wanting to convey their brand message in an engaging manner. In fact, according to HubSpot, 72% of customers prefer learning about a product or service through a video. So, let's dive into how you can craft a captivating explainer video that'll resonate with your audience.

1. Know Your Audience Inside Out

Before you set pen to paper or pixels in motion, ask yourself, "Who am I speaking to?" The more you understand your audience's needs, preferences, and pain points, the better your video will resonate.

2. Craft a Compelling Script

Your script is the backbone of your video. Keep it concise, focusing on the viewer's needs and how your product or service addresses them. Remember, you've got about 60-90 seconds – that's the sweet spot for engagement. As Wyzowl's statistics reveal, viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text.

3. A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words – Storyboard It

Sketch out a storyboard. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it'll provide a visual roadmap for your video, ensuring everyone's on the same page.

4. Choose Your Style

Whether it's whiteboard animation, 2D, 3D, or live-action, pick what's best for your brand and what your audience would love. For instance, a corporate software company might opt for sleek 3D graphics, while a local café might choose a warm, hand-drawn 2D style.

5. Voice It Right

An engaging voiceover can make all the difference. According to Backlinko, videos with voiceovers tend to outperform silent videos in terms of engagement. Make sure the tone aligns with your brand and content.

6. Time for Animation

If you're not a whizz at animation, don't fret. There are heaps of tools out there like Vyond or Adobe After Effects that can help. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional video production company to bring your vision to life.

7. Tune in with the Right Soundtrack

Music's more than just an add-on. It can set the mood, pace, and overall vibe of your video. But remember, ensure it doesn’t overshadow the voiceover.

8. Final Cut – Edit!

Trim out any fluff, ensuring your video's crisp, clear, and to the point. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro can be real game-changers here.

9. Feedback – The Goldmine

Before you release your masterpiece into the wild, gather feedback. It's the best way to spot overlooked hitches and make your video shine even brighter.

10. Share It Far and Wide

Your video's done, but the journey's just begun. Post it on your website, share it on social media, and even consider video ads. After all, Insivia’s stats tell us that mobile video consumption rises by 100% every year.

Wrap Up

Creating an explainer video is more than just piecing together visuals and sounds. It's about telling a story, your story. And when done right, it can boost engagement, conversions, and brand love in ways you'd never have imagined. 

Emily Malone

Written by Emily Malone Marketing Manager for Venture — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.

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